What You Need to Know
Fire Watch Services
A fire watch must:
Why is a fire watch required on each operation during fire season? The purpose of the fire watch is to stay after the day’s work is over and report any fire starts to the proper authorities. The fire watch is required on duty after the last power-driven equipment used by the operator has been shut down for the day. The fire watch must be on duty a minimum of one hour. During periods of high fire danger, DNR recommends the fire watch be on the operation site longer than the mandated one hour.
Logging shovel
Definitions
Operation: Power saws Precaution Level
Landing
I. Closed Season II. Partial Hootowl III. Partial Shutdown IV. General Shutdown
Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited
Tractor/ Skidder Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited
Other Woods Saws Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited Prohibited
Operation: Yarding Precaution Level I. Closed Season II. Partial Hootowl III. Partial Shutdown IV. General Shutdown 1
Tractor/ Skidder Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited
Cable (gravity Cable systems) (other systems) Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited 1
Includes approved motorized carriages
Loading Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited
On Precaution Level III days, tractor, skidder, feller/buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations may are allowed between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. if tractors, skidders or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing firelines are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start. FIRE WATCH means at least one competent person be present at the site(s) for one hour following the operation of spark-emitting equipment. The fire watch shall be vigilant and positioned to be able to detect any fires within five minutes which may originate at the site(s) of the equipment operation. The fire watch shall report a fire to the responsible protection agency within 15 minutes of detection.
What You Need to Know When Using Spark-Emitting Equipment on Forestland MAY 2013
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) How does it work? By law, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uses two closure systems to reduce wildfire risk on 12.7 million acres of private and state forestland protected by the agency. Activated when needed during the summer fire season, one closure system applies to woods workers and other industrial forest users. The other set of protections is aimed at the general public, but also includes local residents, landowners, recreationists and forest workers. Wood workers are required to observe both sets of restrictions as fire danger dictates. Other land users only need to follow the public use restrictions.
HOOTOWL means an operation is allowed ONLY between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Other Operations Precaution Level I. Closed Season II. Partial Hootowl III. Partial Shutdown IV. General Shutdown
n visually observe all parts of the operation on which industrial activity has been in progress. n be physically capable of fighting a fire and have experience in operating firefighting equipment. n possess on-site communications (CB radio, cellular or radio phone) to summon extra help if a fire breaks out. Transportation is also required if radio or phone communication doesn’t work. n be able to report a fire to the responsible protection agency within 15 minutes of detection.
Blasting Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited
Welding Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited
People who need this information in an alternate format may call (360) 902-1300 or TTY (360) 902-1125 or TRS 711
OTHER OPERATIONS means any steam, internal combustion, electric engines or any other devices which emit sparks on any forest land or any other place where, in the opinion of the department, fire could be communicated to forest land.
Printed in the U.S.A. 5/31/13 COG/nc
Industrial Precautions Level 1 Fire equipment and fire watch service is required. Level II Limits certain activities to between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. Level III Prohibits some activities and limits others to between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. Level IV All operations are prohibited.
DNR, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land management and Bureau of Indian Affairs all use the same four-level industrial regulation system. This system, which helps prevent wildfires by regulating work in the woods, is known as the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system.
Public Use Restrictions DNR administers Public Use Restrictions, which limit activities on forestland during periods of high fire danger. Summer Fire Rules: From April 15 to October 15, or later if the fire danger warrants it, the following restrictions are activated: 1. Cigarette smoking on forestland is only allowed on roads, cleared landings, gravel pits, or similar cleared areas. 2. Fireworks may not be lit on forestland.
How do I find the IFPL in my area? To find the Industrial Fire Precaution Level in effect for your area, call the Department of Natural Resources at (800) 323-BURN or visit our website at www.dnr.wa.gov.
3. Chain saw use in nonindustrial work must follow IFPL requirements. Burn Ban: During burn bans initiated by DNR, all open fires are prohibited. Burn bans initiated by DNR cover all lands that DNR protects from wildfire, but may include other lands protected by local fire departments or by federal agencies. Before you burn, contact DNR at (800) 323-BURN or your local fire protection agency.
Can I continue to work during an IFPL shutdown?
p Feller buncher & pickup
Operators who wish to continue an activity that is prohibited under an industrial fire precaution level must obtain a written waiver from DNR. The operator must also obtain the landowner’s permission to seek a waiver. DNR will not issue a waiver against the wishes of the landowner. The operation must also be in compliance with all of Washington’s fire protection laws and with general “fire-safe” practices.
p Shovel yarder truck
A fire-safe operation is one where the chance of a fire has been reduced, or where a plan is made for early discovery and suppression, if a fire ignites. Examples of fire prevention measures include: n wetting or removing slash fuel in the immediate operating area n night operations, and n ceasing activities when the relative humidity is less than 35 percent or during windy conditions
p Spark emitting equipment
Increased fire detection and suppression measures may include: n pre-strung hose to the yarding or cutting area n a fire watch n a roving patrol during the waiver period, as well as after working hours n an additional water supply or firefighting tools
p Wheeled skidder q Road Grading
Each operation is unique and must be evaluated relative to conditions existing at that site. An activity in an alder stand on a north-facing slope would require few preventive or suppression measures to continue to operate during a shutdown. However, the same activity in a conifer stand on a southfacing slope would require more stringent prevention and increased suppression steps.
A primary consideration of a fire-safe operation is fire prevention or reduction of ignition sources. Increased fire detection and suppression capabilities will be secondary, but important concerns. In this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Waivers are most often granted to continue road maintenance or operations in gravel pits. Waivers are seldom allowed for any purpose when Level IV industrial precautions are in effect.
Fire Safety Checklist for Spark-Emitting Equipment on Forestland Equipment or location
WAC reference*
Landings
WAC 332-24-405(8)
Approved exhaust system
5 gallon backpack pump (two)
Trucks or vehicles used for hauling
WAC 332-24-405(7)
Passenger vehicles
WAC 332-24-405(3)
Power saws
WAC 332-24-405(4)
Fixed position machines
WAC 332-24-405(1)
Fire extinguisher
Shovel
Pulaski
Water supply
Clear flammable debris
When required by DNR
(10 feet) Tractors and mobile machines
WAC 332-24-405(6)
Tail/corner haulback blocks
WAC 332-24-405(13) (6 feet)
Cable yarding over 1,200 feet
WAC 332-24-405(9)
Motorcycles/ATVs
WAC 332-24-405(5)
Other sparkemitting engines
WAC 3 32-24-405(5)
* WAC (Washington Administrative Code)
A fire watch must:
Why is a fire watch required on each operation during fire season? The purpose of the fire watch is to stay after the day’s work is over and report any fire starts to the proper authorities. The fire watch is required on duty after the last power-driven equipment used by the operator has been shut down for the day. The fire watch must be on duty a minimum of one hour. During periods of high fire danger, DNR recommends the fire watch be on the operation site longer than the mandated one hour.
Logging shovel
Definitions
Operation: Power saws Precaution Level
Landing
I. Closed Season II. Partial Hootowl III. Partial Shutdown IV. General Shutdown
Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited
Tractor/ Skidder Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited
Other Woods Saws Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited Prohibited
Operation: Yarding Precaution Level I. Closed Season II. Partial Hootowl III. Partial Shutdown IV. General Shutdown 1
Tractor/ Skidder Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited
Cable (gravity Cable systems) (other systems) Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited 1
Includes approved motorized carriages
Loading Fire Watch Fire Watch Hootowl Prohibited
On Precaution Level III days, tractor, skidder, feller/buncher, forwarder, or shovel logging operations may are allowed between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. if tractors, skidders or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing firelines are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start. FIRE WATCH means at least one competent person be present at the site(s) for one hour following the operation of spark-emitting equipment. The fire watch shall be vigilant and positioned to be able to detect any fires within five minutes which may originate at the site(s) of the equipment operation. The fire watch shall report a fire to the responsible protection agency within 15 minutes of detection.
What You Need to Know When Using Spark-Emitting Equipment on Forestland MAY 2013
Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL) How does it work? By law, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) uses two closure systems to reduce wildfire risk on 12.7 million acres of private and state forestland protected by the agency. Activated when needed during the summer fire season, one closure system applies to woods workers and other industrial forest users. The other set of protections is aimed at the general public, but also includes local residents, landowners, recreationists and forest workers. Wood workers are required to observe both sets of restrictions as fire danger dictates. Other land users only need to follow the public use restrictions.
HOOTOWL means an operation is allowed ONLY between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Other Operations Precaution Level I. Closed Season II. Partial Hootowl III. Partial Shutdown IV. General Shutdown
n visually observe all parts of the operation on which industrial activity has been in progress. n be physically capable of fighting a fire and have experience in operating firefighting equipment. n possess on-site communications (CB radio, cellular or radio phone) to summon extra help if a fire breaks out. Transportation is also required if radio or phone communication doesn’t work. n be able to report a fire to the responsible protection agency within 15 minutes of detection.
Blasting Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited
Welding Fire Watch Hootowl Hootowl Prohibited
People who need this information in an alternate format may call (360) 902-1300 or TTY (360) 902-1125 or TRS 711
OTHER OPERATIONS means any steam, internal combustion, electric engines or any other devices which emit sparks on any forest land or any other place where, in the opinion of the department, fire could be communicated to forest land.
Printed in the U.S.A. 5/31/13 COG/nc
Industrial Precautions Level 1 Fire equipment and fire watch service is required. Level II Limits certain activities to between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. Level III Prohibits some activities and limits others to between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. Level IV All operations are prohibited.
DNR, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land management and Bureau of Indian Affairs all use the same four-level industrial regulation system. This system, which helps prevent wildfires by regulating work in the woods, is known as the Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) system.
Public Use Restrictions DNR administers Public Use Restrictions, which limit activities on forestland during periods of high fire danger. Summer Fire Rules: From April 15 to October 15, or later if the fire danger warrants it, the following restrictions are activated: 1. Cigarette smoking on forestland is only allowed on roads, cleared landings, gravel pits, or similar cleared areas. 2. Fireworks may not be lit on forestland.
How do I find the IFPL in my area? To find the Industrial Fire Precaution Level in effect for your area, call the Department of Natural Resources at (800) 323-BURN or visit our website at www.dnr.wa.gov.
3. Chain saw use in nonindustrial work must follow IFPL requirements. Burn Ban: During burn bans initiated by DNR, all open fires are prohibited. Burn bans initiated by DNR cover all lands that DNR protects from wildfire, but may include other lands protected by local fire departments or by federal agencies. Before you burn, contact DNR at (800) 323-BURN or your local fire protection agency.
Can I continue to work during an IFPL shutdown?
p Feller buncher & pickup
Operators who wish to continue an activity that is prohibited under an industrial fire precaution level must obtain a written waiver from DNR. The operator must also obtain the landowner’s permission to seek a waiver. DNR will not issue a waiver against the wishes of the landowner. The operation must also be in compliance with all of Washington’s fire protection laws and with general “fire-safe” practices.
p Shovel yarder truck
A fire-safe operation is one where the chance of a fire has been reduced, or where a plan is made for early discovery and suppression, if a fire ignites. Examples of fire prevention measures include: n wetting or removing slash fuel in the immediate operating area n night operations, and n ceasing activities when the relative humidity is less than 35 percent or during windy conditions
p Spark emitting equipment
Increased fire detection and suppression measures may include: n pre-strung hose to the yarding or cutting area n a fire watch n a roving patrol during the waiver period, as well as after working hours n an additional water supply or firefighting tools
p Wheeled skidder q Road Grading
Each operation is unique and must be evaluated relative to conditions existing at that site. An activity in an alder stand on a north-facing slope would require few preventive or suppression measures to continue to operate during a shutdown. However, the same activity in a conifer stand on a southfacing slope would require more stringent prevention and increased suppression steps.
A primary consideration of a fire-safe operation is fire prevention or reduction of ignition sources. Increased fire detection and suppression capabilities will be secondary, but important concerns. In this case, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Waivers are most often granted to continue road maintenance or operations in gravel pits. Waivers are seldom allowed for any purpose when Level IV industrial precautions are in effect.
Fire Safety Checklist for Spark-Emitting Equipment on Forestland Equipment or location
WAC reference*
Landings
WAC 332-24-405(8)
Approved exhaust system
5 gallon backpack pump (two)
Trucks or vehicles used for hauling
WAC 332-24-405(7)
Passenger vehicles
WAC 332-24-405(3)
Power saws
WAC 332-24-405(4)
Fixed position machines
WAC 332-24-405(1)
Fire extinguisher
Shovel
Pulaski
Water supply
Clear flammable debris
When required by DNR
(10 feet) Tractors and mobile machines
WAC 332-24-405(6)
Tail/corner haulback blocks
WAC 332-24-405(13) (6 feet)
Cable yarding over 1,200 feet
WAC 332-24-405(9)
Motorcycles/ATVs
WAC 332-24-405(5)
Other sparkemitting engines
WAC 3 32-24-405(5)
* WAC (Washington Administrative Code)
